The barn complex in mstów: cultural value, revitalization, and challenges in preserving regional architecture

The barn complex in Mstów, situated in the northern Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, represents a unique element of regional cultural heritage. Built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries using local materials such as limestone and wood, the barns reflect the traditional lifestyle of the local community and their adaptation to the natural and socio-economic conditions of the region. Despite their historical and architectural significance, the barns are in a state of advanced degradation due to neglected conservation efforts and the lack of a comprehensive revitalization plan. This article analyzes the cultural, historical, and architectural value of the Mstów barn complex, emphasizing its potential for preservation and sustainable development. By comparing the site with the successfully revitalized barn complex in Żarki, it highlights strategies for adapting traditional architecture to contemporary needs while respecting its cultural and landscape context. Recommendations include preserving the cultural landscape, maintaining traditional aesthetics, and developing new functions that integrate the barns into modern economic and social frameworks. The findings underline the importance of revitalizing the Mstów barn complex as a model for blending heritage conservation with contemporary needs, enriching both the local community and visitors while safeguarding this unique cultural asset for future generations.